Dearly beloved, we are gathered here on this beautiful day to witness the union of Lisa and Raymondin holy matrimony. This is a day of great celebration and reverence, on which we come together before before the Universe to recognize and commemorate the sacred love and dedication shared between these two people. It is wonderful to have family and friends here to join us today. The bride and groom would like to thank their guests for being here, and would like you to know that each of you were invited here on this day because you have played an integral part in their intertwining lives.

Marriage is, truly, a magical gift. As Mark Twain noted, "Marriage makes of two fractional lives a whole, and it gives to two purposeless lives a work [...] it gives to two questioning natures a reason for living, and something to live for; it will give a new gladness to the sunshine, a new fragrance to the flowers, a new beauty to the earth, a new mystery to life."

In the time that Raymond and Lisa have spent together, they've built the sturdy foundation for a lifelong relationship. After a great deal of thoughtful consideration, they have decided to bind themselves to one another for the rest of their lives.

May you all remember and cherish this sacred ceremony, for on this day, with love, we will forever bind Raymond and Lisa together.

Family BlessingMinister: Who gives this bride today?

Bridal Companion: I do.

Speak NowIf there is anyone in attendance who has cause to believe that this couple should not be joined in marriage, you may speak now or forever hold your peace.

Wedding Sermon

Marriage is a sacred ceremony. Today we observe the union of these two people with the respect the occasion warrants. What we honor with reverence, however, we also celebrate with great joy! For married life – a shared life – is a tremendous blessing. Now, as Raymond and Lisa embark on this journey together, they will be able to nurture a love that makes each of them better versions of themselves. Marriage is, indeed, the perfect garden from which to sow and harvest personal growth.

(Addressing couple) Raymond and Lisa, learn to work together, to laugh together, and to love together. Don't get caught up in worldly things that will draw you apart. Instead, focus on your shared devotion and turn inward. As your relationship strengthens you will find that you come to share a remarkable love; a love that is both abundantly given and freely accepted.

The joy you'll find as you pursue your shared lives will fuel you to face head-on the challenges you'll encounter on this Earth. On your journeys together, keep your spouse in the space of highest priority in your heart. The love you share must be guarded and cherished, it is your most valuable treasure.

Consecration

Minister: I solemnly consecrate these matrimonial proceedings and the sacred covenant you shall both enter into on this day.

Marriage is an ancient rite. As you enter into this union, you are choosing to take part in a historical human establishment and are pledging your commitment before the witnesses present here today to enter into that tradition with honor.

Love, it has been noted, is the reason we live. As Carl Sagan wisely deduced, "The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth. We should remain grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides. The sum of all our evolution, our thinking and our accomplishments is love."

Exchange of Vows

Minister: Raymond and Lisa, the sacred vows that you make to one another today present you with the opportunity to express your love in your own words. I would at this time invite you to publically declare these vows:

Raymond, you may begin.

Raymond: I, Raymond, take you, Lisa, for my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life, until death do us part. This is my solemn vow.

Minister: Lisa, you may now make your promise.

Lisa: I, Lisa, take you, Raymond, for my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life, until death do us part. This is my solemn vow.

Declaration of Intent

Minister: Lisa and Raymond please face one another and join hands. Lisa, do you take Raymond to be your lawfully wedded husband? By making this commitment, you are joining in the sacred covenant of marriage.

Do you promise to honor him in love, to be sensitive to his needs, to comfort him in difficulty, and to put your full and complete trust in him, so long as you both shall live?

Lisa: I do.

Minister: Raymond, do you take Lisa to be your lawfully wedded wife? By making this commitment, you are joining in the covenant of marriage.

Do you promise to honor her in love, to be sensitive to her needs, to comfort her in difficulty, and to put your full and complete trust in her, so long as you both shall live?

Raymond: I do.

Minister: Very well.

Exchange of Rings

Minister: To commemorate this union, you may now exchange rings. The circle formed by each ring symbolizes your eternal love and commitment to one another. Let these rings remind you always of that love, and of the promises you have made here on this day.

Will each of you please repeat after me as you place the ring on your loved ones hand?

Lisa: I, Lisa, give you Raymond this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I thee wed.

Raymond: I, Raymond, give you Lisa this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I thee wed.

Pronouncement

Minister: By the power vested in me, by the state of Florida, I pronounce you, Lisa and Raymond as wife and husband, lawfully wedded before the Universe.

Kiss

Minister: Raymond, you may now kiss the bride, forever sealing your union.

Presentation

Minister: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Raymond and Lisa Sample!